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Flu expected to peak, doctors encourage vaccine

A man in his 60s and a child died of the flu in Lancaster County. So far, no deaths are reported in Douglas, Sarpy of Cass County, but officials warn the flu many not peak for a few weeks.

Doctors say germs are everywhere and kids are likely bringing the virus home and back to class. They say the flu is spreading fast.

“You should self-quarantine and not go to school, not go to work, let yourself get better,” said Dr. Mark Rupp with the Nebraska Medical Center.

Rupp, an infectious disease specialist, said he saw a lot of flu cases before the holidays and doesn't expect to see a peak for a couple of weeks.

“Already, we have more defined cases of influenza this year than we had in the entire flu epidemic last year or even the year previous to that,” Rupp said.

Rupp said the two strains of the flu are covered in this year's vaccine. He urges everyone to get the shot because the flu season can stretch for another several weeks.

Those 65 or older can get a vaccine with more antigens in it to help protect them, since they are the ones most vulnerable to the flu. Doctors also encourage anyone six months and older to get a flu vaccine.

The main symptoms to look for are a fever, cough, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

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